Socially Distanced Thanksgiving

By Sam Uebel, Staff Writer

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently announced guidelines to promote safety this Thanksgiving. The CDC says that the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is by celebrating at home with the people you live with and avoiding travel.

As cases of the coronavirus increase, families are left with the decision of whether or not they want to travel for Thanksgiving. If families decide to travel, the CDC recommends checking travel restrictions for your area and the area you’re going to before you leave, getting a flu shot before you travel, wearing a mask, and staying at least six feet apart from anyone who does not live with you. 

Students on campus had the option of receiving a COVID-19 test before returning home for the holiday, and the remainder of the semester. 

Senior fashion merchandising major Hema Chimpidi returned home to the midwest for the holidays. Chimpidi planned on bracing the crowds and taking a flight home. 

“I will be flying home. Unfortunately it’s my only option,” Chimpidi said. “This is my first flight home after almost a year.” 

Before returning home, Chimpidi got a coronavirus test to ensure she tested negative before traveling.

 Senior broadcasting major Samantha Samant stayed on campus for the holidays. Normally, she spends the holidays with her mother, but after Samant’s mother’s recent COVID-19 diagnosis, she’s spending this holiday on her own. 

“While I’m not going home for this holiday season, I will miss all the comforts of home,” Samant said. “I will still be surrounded by friends, whether it be on Zoom or in-person, it will still be a nice thanksgiving.” 

Some students have remained at home since the school previously went remote for two weeks back in October. 

Senior journalism major James Bonner, stayed home since that remote transition, and that’s where he planned on spending his holiday break. 

“I’m already home for thanksgiving,” Bonner said.“I don’t think people should travel if they think they can be a danger to others.” 

The CDC recommended participating in Thanksgiving activities that are socially distant this year. They promoted activities like hosting a virtual meal, watching Thanksgiving Day parades or sporting events on television, watching movies at home, online shopping, or participating in a gratitude activity, like writing down things you are grateful for and sharing with your friends and family.